Discuss the Politics, Economics, and Events of the New New York 23rd Congressional District (Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Chemung, (Eastern) Ontario, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, Tioga, Tompkins, and Yates Counties)

I do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter. So help me God.

This has the ring of the cold war. I think it should be revised. Here is my suggestion:

I do solemnly swear that I will promote justice for all and the general welfare by acting in the public interest. That I will accept no contributions other than from individual constituents. That I will give my constituents my honest services rather than acting for partisan interests, special interests, or self-interest.

Share this:

Like this:

LikeLoading...

Related

About whungerford

*
Contributor at NewNY23rd.com where we discuss the politics, economics, and events of the New New York 23rd Congressional District (Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Chemung, (Eastern) Ontario, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben,Tioga, Tompkins, and Yates Counties) Please visit and comment on whatever strikes your fancy.

Yes, your oath has the ring of true service, and would therefore never be considered.
Even if the original were followed faithfully – especially the “against all enemies, foreign and domestic” part, we might see action by Representatives against war criminals, cheating American banks, and, polluting corporations might just become liable for their destruction.

Note of clarification: Article VI. of the Constitution explicitly requires a promise to support the Constitution.

The Senators and Representatives before mentioned, and the Members of the several State Legislatures, and all executive and judicial Officers, both of the United States and of the several States, shall be bound by Oath or Affirmation, to support this Constitution; but no religious Test shall ever be required as a Qualification to any Office or public Trust under the United States.

The Constitution specifies an oath for the President separately (Article II, Section 1.):

I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my Ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.

Tom Reed and others have signed several “oaths” since taking office. The SCOPE Act Pledge, the Grover Norquist Pledge, and the No Labels Pledge are a few examples. Certainly one would expect the pledge to support the US Constitution would come above all, but one must admit, Tom Reed rarely has his priories in order and it appears neither do most Republican/ Tea Party/Conservatives anymore.